Ground game is the way to go

ARLINGTON – Even without Marion Barber, the Cowboys’ run game was outstanding.

Dallas gained 212 yards in the 21-7 win over Carolina, marking the first time the Cowboys have notched back-to-back 200-plus yard rushing games since 1979. They gained 251 yards last week in the 33-31 loss to the Giants. In franchise history, Dallas has recorded consecutive games of 200-plus rushing yards only five times.

With Barber (quad) inactive, Felix Jones started and finished with 94 yards on just eight carries. Jones left the game in the third quarter with a knee injury, but Tashard Choice answered the call with 48 yards on nine carries in the fourth quarter to finish with 82 yards on 18 attempts.

Tony Romo added 22 yards on five carries and Patrick Crayton had 14 yards on an end around.

So does this mean the Cowboys’ offensive identity will be that of a smash-mouth running team?

“We need to be able to run the football,” Wade Phillips said. “That’s what we do well. So part of our identity is certainly running the football.”

Of course, Dallas may be forced to put the ball in the air a lot next week, considering Barber and Jones could both be out or hampered by their injuries. Phillips is expected to update the status of both players at 3 p.m. Tuesday.